The FA Referee Course

Course Overview

COURSE DETAILS

The first crucial step to developing as a referee

The FA Referees Course is designed for anyone aged 14 and up who wants to join the tens of thousands of referees who operate week in week out on local parks, throughout the English football pyramid, up to those who officiate The FA Cup Final and on the International stage. As a referee you play an integral role in ensuring all participants enjoy their match day experience, helping create a competitive, fair, safe and enjoyable playing environment.

Whether you want to referee in youth and adult leagues, men's or womens football or have aspirations of one day walking the ball out at Wembley Stadium, The FA Referees Course is the starting point for your refereeing career. Refereeing is not only rewarding in a football environment, but the social and life skills that come from becoming a referee extend far beyond your initial expectations.

Respect

Empathy

Fitness

Evaluation

Reliability

Education

Excellence

These seven core values underpin all aspects of English refereeing and are all required from the start of your refereeing journey.

Once you have qualified as a referee, there is extensive support available through both your County FA and The FA, helping you to be the best you can be and fulfill your potential as a referee.

Block 1 - Introduction to Refereeing and Pre-Course Activity

Overview of course expectations and commitments

Basic outline of the Laws of the Game to provide an initial understanding

Introduction to the DNA of English Refereeing and the process of completing the course

Block 2-4 - Practical and Theory

A mixture of practical and theoretical referee training, focusing on the key skills and techniques required to be a referee. This is then coupled with the practical application of law and the different scenarios that can be faced in a game. Some of the topics covered are; Signals & Communication, Fouls & Misconduct and Positioning & Movement.

Upon completion of Unit 4, a practical Evaluation of Performance and Assessment Of Knowledge is completed to ensure you are ready for Unit 5.

Block 5 - Refereeing Experience

Officiating five 11v11 or 9v9 games, where you are offered a referee mentor to support you on your first few games, with a self evaluation of each game.

Block 6 - Reflection, Final Examination and Next Steps

Call back session where there is the opportunity to share experiences on the five games refereed, what has worked well and what you might do differently in the future. A final Laws of the Game Examination and information on what happens now and what opportunities are available i.e. Promotion, Academies, Development Groups, In-Service Training etc.

Course Pre-requisites

Before starting Block 5, a Safeguarding Children Workshop and Criminal Records Check (if applicable) must be completed.

Please Note: This course should not be booked on behalf of another person (i.e. a parent/carer on behalf of a child). All booking forms must be completed by the individual who will be completing the course.

Outcomes

The FA Referees Course provides participants with an insight to the laws of the game and their practical application on the field of play. It also looks at the skills required to be a referee.

Candidates should feel comfortable to referee a game of football at the completion of the course, with 75% of the course being in a practical environment.

We adhere to a strict cancellation policy and by enrolling onto our course you agree to have read and agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.

REFEREE COURSE FAQS

Is there a minimum age to book onto an FA Referee Course?

The minimum age to book onto and attend a referee course is 14. There is no maximum age.

How can I book onto an FA Referee Course?

Potential candidates should book directly onto a Referee Course via our website. If you need support or have any questions please email Mike.Desborough@BedfordshireFA.com

What is a FAN and do I need one to book onto an FA Referee Course?

You will be required to enter your FA Number (FAN) and password to book onto a course or create a FAN and password when you go to book onto a referee course if you don’t have one alreadyCreate A FAN - CLICK HERE

Please Note: You will need to create a new FAN for your Son/Daughter if you already have a FAN yourself, because the FAN used will be accepted as the person booked on.